Unit President Carol Danford gave announcements and drew attention to an article in the current issue of Response magazine. A map shows the many places in the world where United Methodist Women serve in mission.

Treasurer Jean Smith and Wyant led the annual Pledge Service. Smith gave several illustrations of what a dollar will buy for missions. A play, depicting several colors in nature, showed how each color is needed to make a rainbow. Even so, each person's gift, combined with others, makes a "rainbow of love." Those who participated in the play were Iris Andrews, Sandy McLachlan, Burness Runyon, Fay Botten, Ellen Sluss and Doris Stahl.

Members made their "Pledge to Missions." The pledge cards were laid on the worship center as symbols of dedicating themselves to God for missions.

Jeanne Garth planned the next program, which will be March 18. Her daughter, the Rev. Barbara Dieble, will tell about her recent mission trip to Cuba, with other members of First United Methodist Church of Akron. All women and girls are welcome. You do not need to be a member.

TOPS Alliance holds weekly meeting

The weekly meeting of TOPS OH 2088 Alliance was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Thursday by leader Joyce Hicks after members weighed in at Union Avenue United Methodist Church in room 27. The meeting opened with the TOPS and KOPS pledges, and all in attendance were welcomed. Roll call was announced, and the Best Loser won a certificate and the Best Loser Basket. The runner-up was chosen and received a monetary award and chose the 50/50 winner. There was a winner for the Happy Loser Jar, and members will begin again to build the jar each week until a name is called of someone who loses.

A new contest was introduced and will begin with next week's meeting and end on March 28. There will be two prizes awarded -- one for the person who colors in the most spaces and one for the "Best Looking Leprechaun."

The awards ceremony has been set for April 8, when members will be honored for their accomplishments in 2013. The annual garage sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14 at Beechwood playground. Members are encouraged to begin gathering items to sell for the yearly fundraiser. An open house will be held this year around September or October. More information and details will be announced at a later date.

The program was conducted by Hicks, and members talked about and learned about how important breakfast is every day and received a hand-out with three sample breakfasts. Portion control was also discussed as members became aware of the difference between a food exchange and a serving. The program was provided by TOPS Club Inc. The meeting ended with the Friendship Circle.

TOPS is a low-cost, nonprofit, noncommercial weight loss support group that helps its members Take Off Pounds Sensibly and Keep Off Pounds Sensibly through motivation, contests, education, awards and recognition. For more information, visit www.tops.org or call Hicks at 330-453-2810.

Young at Heart enjoys Valentine's Day party

Thirty-six people attended the Feb. 13 meeting of Young at Heart which was decorated with red tablecloths with Valentine's centerpieces and favors.

The Rev. Larry Grow gave a greeting and prayer for the Valentine's buffet and dessert table.

Roselyn Frances announced the 55th anniversary of Lyle and Marge Richmond, which was also noted by a cake on the dessert table.

"Happy Birthday" was sung to attendees and members Peggy Lanham, Pat Bailey, Abby Grow and Daja Jack. There also was a cake on the dessert table for Connie Sue Grow whose birthday was that day. She was also given a small gift from the group.

Connie McMillen did the evening's devotions, featuring the scripture John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." She also shared about members Nancy and Joe Ratliff's special proposal in 1998.

Pastor Grow told some words of wisdom, then Irene Zumbar told the group about love, an intense affection rising out of kinship or personal ties; a strong feeling of attraction. She then told the group that not everything was written about Adam and Eve, and introduced Bill and Jan Trummer, who portrayed Adam and Eve in the "unbiblical" story.

Some of the things brought out during the bit were: Eve thought she should have had more than one choice for a husband; Eve thought Adam gave the animals wrong names; Why didn't Adam give up a few more ribs so Eve could have some friends; why did Adam let a snake into the garden anyway; and although it was a fruit tree they weren't to eat from, Eve thought doughnuts would have been more tempting.

Zumbar ended the program by saying people make wrong choices sometimes and that's how sin came into the world and why life became full of challenges. She asked the group if they had made the choice that God provided so they could be saved. She also told them how much love God had for them.

The best dressed for the Valentine's them were McMillen, Abby Grow and Mark Welty.

The next meeting will be held March 13 in the First Assembly of God fellowship hall. There will be a contest for people dressing up for St. Patrick's Day. Attendees are asked to bring a prize for the game "Glory."

UCT 261 gathers

Alliance United Commercial Travelers Council No. 261 held its February meeting after members in attendance supported the chicken dinner at First Christian Church.

President Dayle Gruszecki opened the meeting at 6:05 p.m. Secretary-Treasurer Sarah Akins read minutes from the previous meeting and the treasurer's report, which were approved as read.